Unity and change

Kaitlyn Marks
Class of 2021

(7/2018) As a country, America is at a crossroads, teetering on the horizon of so many polarized issues, contrasting viewpoints, and moral and ethical questions that will define the many years to come. Historically, our nation’s presidents have attempted to encapsulate what it means to be an American, particularly in terms of who we are and what we need to achieve. For different administrations and political parties, this seems to be outlined in different ways—but foundationally, we are all fighting for the same goal: to be the proud, outstanding nation that is open to all and welcomes the weary, protects its citizens, and works to make the world a better place. Throughout his presidency, former President Jimmy (James) Carter emulated the ideals and values of both traditional and modern America. He aimed to unify and harmonize the people. In his Inaugural Address, Carter provided a call-to-action, but rather than direct this action towards division, he directed it towards progress and unity, supporting a common goal and common morality that accompanies being human.

In the Address, he enjoined the nation: "Let us learn together and laugh together and work together and pray together, confident that in the end we will triumph together in the right. The American dream endures. We must once again have full faith in our country--and in one another. I believe America can be better. We can be even stronger than before."

Life is full of instances of polarization. Today, tensions explode over gun control, environmental issues, healthcare, childcare, immigration, separating families at our country’s border, and more. Debates seem endless over every issue. If Carter were to highlight ‘togetherness’ as a theme in a present-day inaugural address, many people would be skeptical. Is it possible, in a world ravaged by division, to come together and be one country, triumphant and morally sound, while being faithful in one another even through dark times? I believe it is. With a positive shift towards open-mindedness, I think that America could become stronger by embracing the message that rang true in 1977, and joining together.

Many people in America today feel strongly that their vote is useless, that their voices will not be heard. Even in the 1970’s, Carter could feel Americans shifting into a powerless mindset, and he addressed it within his "Crisis of Confidence" Speech regarding the energy crisis.

He stated, "Our people are losing that faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our democracy."

America was founded on the ideal of rule by the people. If the general population feels powerless, and politics are allowed to become corrupt, there cannot be progress or positive change. Carter was ahead of his time in acknowledging that, especially for underrepresented groups and areas, American politics seem distant and impossible to impact. One person’s vote should matter. All voices should matter. And yet, we need to create a more open, safe dialogue. So often in our country, due to polarizing issues,, conversations turn hostile when differing opinions appear incompatible. However, if our style of conversation changed, and instead of spreading falsehoods and misinformation or campaigning by simply degrading and belittling their opponents, candidates could use their platforms to share information, open up a dialogue regarding issues, and listen to the voices of the people to hear what needs to change. In this way, America would retain its faith and ability to make progress.

Particularly relevant to today is Carter’s ideologies about who we are and what we need to be doing as a nation. In his Inaugural Address, Carter discussed these foundational values:

"We have already found a high degree of personal liberty, and we are now struggling to enhance equality of opportunity. Our commitment to human rights must be absolute, our laws fair, our national beauty preserved; the powerful must not persecute the weak, and human dignity must be enhanced."

Whether liberal or conservative, traditional or progressive, Democrat or Republican, every person can, on a foundational level, see the truth in Carter’s wishes for America. In preserving human rights, environmental beauty, and protecting those who are vulnerable to abuses, we become the nation we have always been destined to be. There is no true liberal or conservative America; instead, there is only the United States of America. Division seems inevitable, but with a keen awareness of who we are and our national identity, making choices concerning human life, the world around us, and lawmaking agendas should become clearer and easier. If all choices in politics were based upon information, the values of the people, and our national identity rather than misinformation, personal agendas, and supplemental money from large corporations, all the choices would yield results we could stand by. In fifty years, when we look back at all we’ve done, will we be happy? Will we be ashamed? Will separating children from their parents at the border fit in with our national identity, or will it forever change it? Will gun reform laws (or lack thereof) do the same? The fabric of our country’s identity is at stake.

Our history is an integral part of our identity. In his "Crisis of Confidence" speech, Carter examined the role our nation’s history takes on in modern times and how that is changing with the developments of modern America.

He said, "As a people we know our past and we are proud of it. Our progress has been part of the living history of America, even the world. We always believed that we were part of a great movement of humanity itself called democracy, involved in the search for freedom; and that belief has always strengthened us in our purpose. But just as we are losing our confidence in the future, we are also beginning to close the door on our past."

We are shifting in many ways. Carter also reflects on the value of hard work versus the value of physical belongings. Our history made us the country we are, but it also limited us. At one point, I wouldn’t have been able to vote or make my voice heard. Labor laws helped to prevent the abuses of children and immigrants in the work force. Involving ourselves in war to stop oppression and preserve human rights shaped us into who we are. But our work is not finished. Like President Carter said, we must remain committed to the causes that are within our backbone. By staying true to who we are as a country, we can grow and become the nation we were always destined to be.

Read other articles by Kaitlyn Marks